This bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to enhance tenant protections regarding utility billing and payment of rent. It introduces a new subdivision in section 216B.023 that allows landlords to issue estimated final utility bills for submetered services if the actual bill has not been received by the time a tenant vacates. The estimated bill must be based on the previous billing period and prorated for the days until the tenant's departure, with specific provisions for administrative and late payment charges.

Additionally, the bill modifies section 504B.118 to require landlords to provide written receipts for cash rent payments and mandates that if a digital payment platform is used, landlords must offer alternative payment methods if the platform fails. It also prohibits landlords from taking adverse actions against tenants when both the digital platform and alternative methods are non-functional, providing tenants with an affirmative defense against eviction in such cases. Lastly, a new subdivision is added to section 504B.216, mirroring the provisions for estimated final utility bills for apportioned utility services.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.023, 504B.118, 504B.216
1st Engrossment: 216B.023, 504B.118, 504B.216